Parkinson’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide.

Till date, the exact cause of this disease is not precisely known, but researchers have identified several risk factors that contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease, including genetics, age, and environmental factors. One of the most common environmental factors that has been linked to Parkinson’s disease is exposure to a chemical known as “pesticides.”.

What are Pesticides?

Pesticides are chemicals that are used to kill pests. They are used in agriculture, forestry, garden care, and pest control. Pesticides come in many forms such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, and others.

They are designed to kill or control the population of pests that can harm crops or cause diseases. However, many of these pesticides can also harm humans and wildlife that come into contact with them.

How are Pesticides Linked to Parkinson’s Disease?

Studies have shown that people who are exposed to pesticides have a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

In one study, researchers found that people who used pesticides regularly had a 70% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease than people who never used pesticides. Another study found that farmers who used pesticides had a 60% greater risk of developing Parkinson’s disease than farmers who didn’t use pesticides.

Researchers believe that pesticides may damage the brain cells that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is essential for the control of movement. The loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain is a key feature of Parkinson’s disease.

Which Pesticides are Linked to Parkinson’s Disease?

Several pesticides have been linked to Parkinson’s disease, including:.

Paraquat: Paraquat has been banned in Europe since 2007, but it is still used in the United States and many other countries. Paraquat is a herbicide that is used to control weeds. Studies have shown that exposure to Paraquat can increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Rotenone: Rotenone is a pesticide that is used to control insects and fish. It has also been linked to Parkinson’s disease.
Organochlorines: Organochlorines are a group of pesticides that have been widely used in the past. They were banned in the United States in the 1970s, but they are still used in many other countries. Studies have shown that exposure to organochlorines can increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Organophosphates: Organophosphates are a group of pesticides that are used to control insects. They have been linked to Parkinson’s disease in several studies.

What Can You Do to Reduce Your Exposure to Pesticides?

If you want to reduce your exposure to pesticides, you can take several steps:.

Buy organic fruits and vegetables: Organic fruits and vegetables are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides.
Wash fruits and vegetables: Washing fruits and vegetables can remove some of the pesticide residues.
Avoid using pesticides in your home: If you need to control pests in your home, use non-toxic methods such as traps or baits.
Use protective clothing: If you work with pesticides, wear protective clothing to reduce the risk of exposure.

Conclusion

Exposure to pesticides has been linked to Parkinson’s disease. Although the exact mechanism by which pesticides cause Parkinson’s disease is not clear, researchers believe that pesticides damage brain cells that produce dopamine.

To reduce your exposure to pesticides, you can buy organic fruits and vegetables, wash fruits and vegetables, avoid using pesticides in your home, and use protective clothing if you work with pesticides.